Wrestlers show experience and depth approaching NCS

Wrestlers are hoping to meet or exceed last year’s league finish of second as they head into preparation for North Coast Sectionals with a strong team.

“A team goal is for us to get first place again at NCS duals,” senior co-captain Nathan Sutton said.

At the annual Bill Martell Classic held at Northgate on Dec. 16, senior Skylar Morford finished first, sophomore Cole Sanchez second, senior Cormick Hamilton third and junior Gage Mettler finished third in their respective weight categories, a strong showing against a dozen teams. Sanchez also captured a first at the Grenada Mat Classic Jan. 17, and Mettler placed third. The four are co-captains.

Mettler praised a teammate who won the final event in a close match against Clayton Valley Charter on Jan. 10, giving Northgate the win. “It was tied until the heavy weights, and David Ma’ake won it,” Mettler said of the match, which took place at College Park in Pleasant Hill.

The team banded together this season offering donations of food, toys and their time to various community organizations.

Hamilton is pleased to be a senior on the team. “It’s nice being a senior. I feel like I finally have some power on the team and can make a big difference in how we do this year,” he said.

Mettler also complimented the strong junior varsity team, which won the Deer Valley Duals at Deer Valley Jan. 6.

“They are very motivated and passionate about the sport,” he said.

In a tragic accident, a College Park student suffered a spinal cord injury at that event in a junior varsity match that did not include any Northgate competitors. Sophomore Ryan Joseph is currently paralyzed from the neck down after he was pinned down in what athletic officials say was a routine move. A Go Fund Me drive has been started to help his family with medical expenses.

“It was very scary,” said Mettler, adding that wrestling members and coaches have donated. Others may contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/help-our-teammate-ryan.